“Most of my inspiration comes from my love for the sea, nature, popular surf breaks, and the beauty of the islands.” – H.Brown

Growing up in a family of artists and artisans in Southern California, Heather Brown found her passions in both art and nature at a very early age. Later, working as a boat captain and dive master to put herself through the Bachelors of Fine Arts program at The University of Hawaiʻi gave Heather Brown the perfect vantage point to fill her head with the beautiful imagery of the Hawaiian Islands… Read full bio…

Zak Noyle isn’t your typical extreme sports athlete. Considered one of the best surf photographers in the world, Zak lives his life on the edge. He is an outdoor photographer with a truly unique perspective on surf and sea. Based on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu, Zak spends countless hours in the water, creating dramatic imagery and artful interpretations of the world’s most magnificent ocean environment… Read full bio…

“A true Artist always needs to be in the moment when creativity happens, it is long after the fact that one realizes the accomplishments… but only for a moment, then the moment of creation comes again.” – Noel Suarez”

Noel Suarez is the living embodiment of passion and talent required by all great artists, which is reflected in his ever-evolving work. He is recognized as one of a small number of artists whom Miami’s ascendancy to the world cultural stage is reflected in the lifetime of his career… Read full bio…

Walfrido, Son of renowned artist Edgardo F. Garcia, was born in the Philippines in 1966. As a second generation artist, his story begins with his father/mentor. Facing difficult times and lack of opportunity, Edgardo left his homeland to pursue a better life for himself and his family. Three years later he was reunited with his five kids in a small town outside of Los Angeles called Victorville. They moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1973 seeking the “American Dream”. Read More…

Whether you love it or you hate it, social media is the best and worst tool to market your art today in 2017. The best because you have the potential to expose your art to millions of people, increase your visibility and grow your sales. The worst because, if used incorrectly, you may see little to no results or even results that are unfavorable. I’ve compiled 6 basic tips to help get you started and/or improve your Instagram as an artist.

Social media was first created as a social networking tool to stay connected with friends and family in a fun and easy way, but has since grown into a social marketing stratagem that can either make you a star or dilute you in the vast mass of artists.

1) Post high quality unfiltered photos of your art.

There are several photo editing apps that are super fun to use that provide hundreds of preset filters to give your photos an extra edge. However, with posting your art, you want the colors and hues to stay as true to its original form as possible. This is because you hopefully want someone to eventually purchase your art and they should never be deceived by an enhanced version.

Be sure to post high quality photos of your art. Imagine your social media feed on Instagram. I bet you usually scroll through your feed and like the photos that are most appealing. You have to think like your audience. Would you like a photo that is pixelated in poor lighting? No. In fact, you may even scroll right past it. You’d be drawn to a photo that has great composition, quality and lighting. It is totally okay to improve the colors of your art through photo editing if your photo dulls your art. Keep in mind, however, that you want to draw your audience in with your photos—have them stay a little while on your page and be so impressed that you earn their loyal subscription. This is the beauty of Instagram Marketing.

2) Make your content special.

Social media marketing is all about story-telling. You should be revealing a little bit about yourself and your story whenever you post something. Get in the habit of opening up and talking about your life through your art. Let your audience know what inspired you to create such a work of art. Think of ways to keep your audience invested in you. Help people to feel the same way you feel when you create your art.

The huge catch is, you’ve got to do this in 2-3 sentences or less. The attention span of your audience is 2 seconds before they move on to something else. Grab their attention quickly! This first starts with your photo and then they read your caption. Be sure your caption isn’t too lengthy and still represents who you are as an artist. If you’re funny, be funny. If you’re insightful, be insightful. If you’re poetic, be a poet. But first things first, always be genuine and true to who you are.

Other quick ways to make your content special: maybe choose a day out of the week where you release something unique. For example, you do a comedic art piece about tacos every Tuesday for “Taco Tuesdays” or paint/draw a celebrity that inspires you every Wednesday for “Midweek Mogul.” The cool thing about doing something like this is you can tag this celebrity and hash tag them in hopes that you can capture their fans or even their attention! Who knows what may come of it!

3) Know your target audience.

This is perhaps the most significant piece of advice that I will cover in this blog. You have to know who your target audience is. Your target audience is your meal ticket. You have to think about your identity as an artist and what this means for the people who may follow you. Once you understand the demographics of your target audience, you have to make sure you cater your posts to them. Your tone, the frequency of your posts, the colors, the fonts and the visual aspect of your grid are all things that matter so much to your target audience. If you know who they are, you know what they like and if you know what they like, it’s much easier to market to them. For example, if you feel your target audience are Millenials, you should do your research on what millenials are into. More specifically, if you think your target audience is into surfing and water activities, you need to hashtag something that relates to surfing and the beach (one of Instagram’s features is seeing how popular a particular hashtag is—be smart when choosing which hashtags to use). You may use hashtags like: #surftart, #hawaiiart, #surfartist, #hawaiiartist etc. Go beyond the obvious. Even if your art has nothing to do with stand up paddle boarding for example, it’s okay to explore hashtags that relate to that activity. You’re just trying to capture that audience, because they might take interest in your surf art.

Another great tip is to look at all the cool accounts you already follow on your Instagram. Pay attention to their Instagram and how they market their art. Spend some time looking through their followers and who they follow and engage with those accounts by liking their photos, commenting on their posts and giving them a follow. Hopefully, if you’ve spruced up your own account, they’ll do the same to you. This is a key way in increasing your following. This whole process takes lots of time, so be patient and don’t lose heart or get discouraged. It could be some time before you’ve gained some popularity. But the important thing to remember is it isn’t about how many followers you have. What truly matters is the quality of followers– people who can sincerely say they are a fan of your work.

4) Pay attention to your Instagram grid.

You want to post lots of photos of your art, yes. But you should also vary up your content. Once in a while, post a lifestyle photo. These are super fun because you can for sure use your photo editing apps to your heart’s content.

You also want to post progress photos of your art until it is completely finished. Use various angles, close ups, long shots to add to the variety of your grid. Make sure your grid looks cohesive.

Every photo should have the same type of feel—like it was meant to be a part of your grid. This is because, when a person happens upon your account, they will look at your grid and if it lacks togetherness and cohesiveness, they may not subscribe. The easiest way to achieve this is to choose a color scheme and stick to that. I’ve seen some great accounts that only use earth tones or pastels, or only blue tones…it’s completely up to you! Just make sure everything feels like it makes sense and all your posts are part of the same family. Pay close attention to the successful accounts you’ve followed and admire and how they’ve varied up their content without losing the cohesiveness of their grid. Chance are, they’re successful because they’ve got their Instagram Marketing on lock!

5) Engage with your fans.

Lets not forget the “social” aspect of social media. The reason why it works is because your followers feel a special type of connection with you. Your posts are live, in real time, and it’s their only opportunity to interact with you. You want them to feel heard, appreciated and loved by you. Be sure to respond to your followers, answering their questions, “liking” their comments and simply saying “thank you.” Acknowledgement goes a long way. Don’t be snooty! And don’t make it seem like you don’t have time for them. Ask your followers questions, do giveaways, host contests—give your followers a reason to want to see what you’re up to next.

Sidenote, Instagram and Facebook has merged and these social networks believe in engagement. The more you engage with your fans and the more attention your posts receives, the more likely it is that Instagram will push your post to the top of your followers’ feeds. Don’t sleep on this tip! It is SO essential that you interact with your fans!

Another form of engagement is opening up all of the hashtags you use and “liking” all of those photos in the hashtags. You may “like” someone’s photo that will take interest in your art and they may decide to follow you. But it first starts with giving them a little attention.

6) Be active and consistent.

The only way your fans will remember you is if you stay on their radar. That means, you have to be continuously creating art and sharing it with your fans on a regular basis. Be sure people understand what kind of artist you are right away from your posts. You should be starting off posting at least 4x a week just to build your fan base. Get to know your audience and test out times during the day when your posts receive the most engagement. As a general rule of thumb, early mornings around 7AM-8AM, right at noon and just before bed time are the times when people seem to be peaking/browsing on their phones. These would be ideal times to test your audience. Due to the new algorithm Facebook and Instagram has implemented last year and falling into this year, no matter what time you post, (once you’ve gained strong engagement) your posts will appear near the top of your follower’s newsfeeds IF and only if they’ve interacted somehow with your previous posts on a consistent basis. This is why being active and consistent is extremely important.

These tips are literally just the tip of the iceberg! There’s so much more to Instagram that I have yet to cover. Tune in to future blogs to help you improve your Instagram presence.

This weekend concluded the Dimitra Milan Fall tour with two shows that had an amazing turn out.

On Friday night Dimitra held a live painting and auction at the Signature Gallery in Waikiki, highlighted by the attendance of a long-time super-fan. An Australian family from Sydney, who had only arrived to Oahu the night before just happened to be walking by the gallery when they noticed that the daughter’s favourite artist was there in person. After spending her whole high school career studying Dimitra’s Fine Art program, artistic techniques and inspirations, Madeleine was brought to tears by the remarkable surprise. With her savings, Madeleine of course had to take the opportunity to purchase her first Giclee Print signed and addressed specially by Dimitra herself. As her mother mentioned, the meeting seemed “serendipitous” – as if it were meant to happen!

Dimitra and Madeleine

Waikoloa, Big Island

The next evening, the Milan Family held a group show at the Genesis Gallery Waikoloa on the Big Island. The jet-setting family drew another crowd as their appearance as a family showing is not very common! While John and Elli Milan collaborate exclusively to bring their passions to life in their paintings, their daughter Dimitra has an art empire all to herself. The quiet, humble family were over the moon with gratitude to all who showed up this weekend to meet them and add Milan artwork to their collection.

These shows were the last that the Milan family will be participating in until the New Year, but their art is still available including all of their newest pieces. If you haven’t already started your holiday shopping, the Milan’s fine art pieces are the perfect gift to your aspiring art collector friends. Visit their websites HERE and HERE to check out their holiday deals. There are offers for a free print and shipping opportunities!

This huge event started Wednesday night with the Opening Night Preview Party – holding an exclusive fashion show and other live entertainment.

GM Justin Montgomery meeting with fine art collectors.

The party kicked-off with the displays of over 160 artists, coming from all over the planet. The event is ongoing and continues through the weekend, completing Miami’s buzz-worthy Art Week. Our artists are displaying through Blink Art Resource, who were recognized after last year’s event as having the best booth displays of the year. Visit our booths #811 and #912 from 12-8PM each day to speak with our Owner Larry McCarthy and GM Justin Montgomery about the amazing artists we represent and how we can introduce them into your gallery or home.

We can’t get enough of the amazing displays, trendy fashion, and extravagant events happening in the midst of Art Basel Miami – if you want serious FOMO, check out some of our favourite photos of the event so far! Or if you’re in South Florida, you won’t want to miss out on this event and all the fun this weekend. For a full schedule of events visit here.

The month of December is one of the most exciting months of the year; the holiday season is finally here, the best movies are released with hopes of winning an Oscar, and the weather cools down to a comfortable cozy! Black Sand Publishing has a few exciting shows and events to share with you as well as some gift, or date ideas for you and your loved ones. Celebrate the holiday season with us!

Have a new flame in your life? The holidays promise for tons of opportunities to swoop your guy or girl off their feet. Here are a few upcoming events to impress your date with…

November 30 – December 4th

SPECTRUM MIAMI – This is happening now! Spectrum Miami is one of the largest shows under the sub-event of Art Basel Miami – an influential art week held in the trés chique arts and design district of the city. Dimitra Milanas well as her parents John and Elli Milan are exhibiting some of their newest and most inspired work yet. They are not in attendance, as they are gearing up for important shows later on this month, but Owner Larry McCarthy and GM Justin Montgomery are there to meet with collectors and gallery owners. Meet them at Booth #811 and #912 sponsored by Blink from 12 – 8PM today!

December 3rd

Also this weekend – if you’re already on the North Shore checking out the winter waves, come visit Heather Brown at the 11th Annual Wyland Gallery Haleiwa Surf Art Show! Heather will be in attendance with her latest originals, alongside other inspiring surf-inspired artists from around the world. Later on this month on December 30th, Heather will be saying goodbye to 2016 with a solo show at the Wyland Gallery in Waikiki. If you can’t make it out this weekend, come check out this awesome gallery and the charming surrounding boutiques.

Heather’s newest piece “Sailboats at Hanalei” – very limited edition giclees on canvas, Hand Highlighted Artist Proofs on Canvas and even some matted prints available now.

December 9th – 10th

Take your date on the perfect date night with part two of Dimitra Milan’s Hawai’i Tour. This art-filled weekend includes stops in Waikiki, and Waikoloa on the Big Island. The first show will be held on the Friday night at Signature Gallery from 6-9PM on Waikiki’s light-lined Lewers Lane. Start the night off with dinner and drinks during happy-hour at Yard House before checking out the show and this could easily turn into “Lover’s Lane”. Saturday’s show will be held at Genesis Gallery, Waikoloa from 5-9:30PM and will be a group Milan Family show. Don’t miss this rare chance to attend a joint show between art influencers John and Elli and young mogul Dimitra!

December 10th

The beautiful boutique located in Kahala Mall – Magnolia, will be holding an art signing by Heather Brown with times TBD. Come talk story with internationally adored Brown, and get your newest art purchase signed and addressed to you! Magnolia exhibits various artists and is a retailer for adorable and unique furniture pieces, gift items and jewelry. Come here for the art! Come here for the gifts! Come here for the cozy environment!

Photo courtesy of Magnolia Hawaii

Do crowds give you cold sweats? Are you too busy to go to the mall? Sit back and relax at home with these great gift ideas that you can shop from your couch!

These days it seems like everybody has upgraded to the smart phone. Heather Brown’s original and eye-catching iPhone cases combine fashion with functionality. “Double Overhead” is just one of many art options featured here.

Show off your stoke for the waves in this limited-edition t-shirt featuring surf photography by local dare-devil Zak Noyle. The “Backside” T-shirt, made in collaboration with RVCA, is offered on a steel white with a super soft vintage wash. Zak has tons of cool products to choose from, find themhere.

Dimitra Milan’s gorgeous gift cards double as both a card and art! After reading your personalized message, it would be a crime to not display greeting cards like “Heaven’s Kiss”. All artwork displayed on advertised gift cards are also available in giclee on canvas and matted prints. Shop more like it here.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to top off your stockings, matted prints are the answer you’ve been searching for. John & Elli Milan’s matted prints come in many different sizes and feature their bright and engaging work. Their latest pieces are up and ready to gift to the thoughtful, and passionate loved ones on your list! Scroll through the many options here.

A few weeks ago, on November 5th, young and accomplished Dimitra Milan had the opportunity to support Music Therapy at the Cardon Children’s Medical Center with Sarah Mclachlan at the Pulse of the City Soiree! The event was a huge success with an auction of Dimitra’s painting – which she did live specifically for the event, with proceeds going toward the cause of the event. Our owner Larry McCarthy traveled all the way to Arizona for this important event, to support Dimitra as well as her mother Elli Milan – who both made sure to get their photo-op with Ms. Mclachlan!

Dimitra in front of her table of matted prints that were available for sale throughout the night

Sarah Mclachlan and Dimitra talking story

In action shot of Dimitra focusing on her artwork during the live painting auction

Dimitra as well as her parents John and Elli Milan will be showcased at the end of this month at the highly anticipated SPECTRUM MIAMI where they will have their own exhibition walls. Spectrum Miami is part of the bubble of Art Miami shows that are compared to Art Basel! Each year’s events are carefully planned for months, incorporating artists, vendors and an audience drawn from around the globe. With this year being our first time being involved with the huge event, we are extremely excited, and busy with preparations! Will you be stopping by our booth in Miami? Contact us – say hello, take a picture with us!

For more information on this HUGE event in the Arts Community – visit here

Featured Posts

Whether you love it or you hate it, social media is the best and worst tool to market your art today in 2017. The best because you have the potential to expose your art to millions of people, increase your visibility and grow your sales. The worst because, if used incorrectly, you may see little […]

This weekend concluded the Dimitra Milan Fall tour with two shows that had an amazing turn out. On Friday night Dimitra held a live painting and auction at the Signature Gallery in Waikiki, highlighted by the attendance of a long-time super-fan. An Australian family from Sydney, who had only arrived to Oahu the night before […]